Contact:  Lindy Haffey
lindy.haffey@fns.usda.gov

Symposium on USDA Healthy Incentives Pilot

One of our Nation's most pressing health challenges is poor diet and inactivity. Over 17 percent of children are overweight and over 66 percent of adults are overweight or obese. Low-income individuals are particularly at-risk. If current trends continue through 2020, treating the consequences of obesity may consume up to one-fifth of health care expenditures.

The Federal nutrition assistance programs administered by the USDA are powerful tools to address this problem. Nutrition assistance programs reach one in five Americans in the course of a year providing food benefits and nutrition education.

FNS has long recognized the need to explore new and innovative approaches that empower low-income Americans to consume diets that include optimal levels of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other healthful foods. The Administration’s Farm Bill proposal requested funds that would allow FNS to test point-of-sale incentives and other strategies that may increase the purchase of nutritious foods by food stamp participants through a pilot effort.

To ensure the success of this important pilot, it is important to obtain the expert opinions of industry representatives and other stakeholders to help us better define the project parameters. Under Secretary Nancy Montanez Johner is hosting a one day symposium to discuss the Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) project design, scope and operational challenges.

The symposium will take place on Oct. 16, 2008 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 in the second floor conference area.

There will be several panels of industry and stakeholder experts providing insight on various topics. There will be an opportunity for audience participation at various points during each of the panel discussions. Because space is limited we will accept only one participant from each organization until the capacity for the room has been reached.

If you are interested in attending, please forward your name, the organization you represent, mailing address, email address and telephone number to: lindy.haffey@fns.usda.gov by Oct. 8, 2008.
 

As of Oct. 1, 2008, the federal Food Stamp Program will change its name   to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to reflect our focus   on nutrition and putting healthy food within reach for low income households.